What is malware? How can I protect myself against malware on my computer? Helpful tips and information about computer Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Ransomware, Scareware, Spyware, Adware and Phishing mails.

1. How To Protect From Malware
Safe At Work And At Home
by Infonautics GmbH www.infonautics.ch

2. Virus

3. Virus
A computer virus is a malicious software program which can infect files,
software and data carriers. Once activated, the computer virus can make
modifications to hardware, operating system and software without your
knowledge.
Caution:
• of email attachments of any kind
• when installing software, especially from dubious sources
• when copying data from storage media (e.g., USB stick) of
unknown or unchecked sources
• when downloading files of dubious sources

4. Worm

5. Worm
In contrast to the computer virus, the computer worm spreads
independently. Its goal is to reproduce and spread as quickly as possible.
For example a computer worm is able to read address books and dispatch
bulk emails independently.
Caution:
• of email attachments of any kind
• of security vulnerabilities in the operating system, programs,
network and Internet connections
• when copying data from storage media (e.g., USB stick) of
unknown or unchecked sources
• when downloading files of dubious sources

6. Trojan

7. Trojan
Usually, a trojan comes as a pretended useful application, in order to carry
out unnoticed additional malicious functions and thus to transmit sensitive
data such as passwords, credit card numbers and e-banking information
etc. to cyber criminals.
Caution:
• of email attachments of any kind
• when installing software of unkown sources
• when downloading files of dubious sources
• when visiting questionable websites
• of broswer plugins

8. Scareware

9. Scareware
Scareware makes the user believe that there is a problem with the
computer and a supposedly useful software has immediately to be
downloaded and installed in order to solve the problem.
Caution:
• of sudden warning messages that appear on your desktop
or as pop-ups in the browser
• if you are prompted to download immediately a specific
software

10. Ransomware

11. Ransomware
Ransomware, also called blackmail Trojan, infects your computer with the
intention to encrypt most important data and release it only by your paying
a ransom.
Caution:
• of email attachments of any kind
• when using file-shareing sites
• when downloading files of dubious sources
• of links in Facebook messages
• when visiting questionable websites

12. Spyware

13. Spyware
Spyware, also called spy software, is used to track down people's identity
without their knowledge. In order to gain access to this data the spyware is
reading keyboard inputs and recording screen views.
Caution:
• with supposedly „free“ software
• when downloading files of dubious sources
• when visitiong questionable websites

14. Adware

15. Adware
As the name suggests (ad = advertising), adware is regularly displaying
unsolicited advertisements as pop-ups.
Caution:
• of email attachments of any kind
• when clicking on pop-up ads
• when downloading free software on questionable sites
• when visiting misleading / untrustworthy websites

16. Phishing

17. Phishing
The goal of phishing is the theft of sensitive data, such as bank account
login data and credit card numbers, e-mail accounts and social media
accounts based on fake emails, bogus websites or short messages.
Caution:
• if prompted to specify login data such as password and user
ID - Never execute!
• of inconsistent emails (false sender, wrong web address
(URL) - Do not react!

18. How To Protect Yourself From Malware
In principle, there are two important aspects to protect
against malware. On one hand, there is valuable and
important software available which can protect us
against "invaders" on our computers. On the other hand,
human beings themselves are a central factor. Our
behavior, what we do or do not, is a major contributor to
protecting us from malicious software.

19. How To Protect Yourself From Malware
• Anitvirus Software: An antivirus software on your computer is an
absolute prerequisite to protect yourself against viruses and worms.
• Firewall: The firewall is the "protective barrier" of unwanted access to
your computer via Internet.
• Install an Ad Blocker on your web browser.This protects against the
execution of unwanted scripts.
Technical Aspects
This software must be installed on your computer:

20. How To Protect Yourself From Malware
• Have a healthy scepticism about email attachements from unkown
sources. Never open email attachments from unknown sources.
• Be careful when clicking on links in email messages from unknown
senders. Signs of possible untrustworthy emails are: no reasonable
subject line and no verifiable content, or only attachments without mail
content.
• Download software from trusted sources only.
• Ignore urgent installation prompts on the Web.
• Never disclose personal information.
• If possible, do not log on to the system with administrator rights for
normal work.
• Update regularly the operating system and installed programs.
Personal Aspects
Consider the following for malware protection:

21. How To Protect Yourself From Malware
Distinguish between a complete system backup and backup of your
working files.
The system backup can be carried out once a week and after significant
changes.A 1: 1 image backup of the complete hard disk (including
programs and data) to an external data carrier is recommended.This also
protects from a possible technical failure of a hard disk.
The backup of the working files should take place daily , or better still,
should be automatically running in the background. As for example with
the backup software Live File Backup for Windows. Download here the
free trial version: www.livefilebackup.com
Data Backup
And last but not least, perform backups regularly:

22. Live File Backup For Windows
Automatically running data backup in
the background.
Download now free trial version!
www.livefilebackup.com

23. Imprint
Developed by INFONAUTICS GmbH
Eichholzweg 16
6312 Steinhausen
Schweiz
www.infonautics.ch
Author Anita Wirz
Picture Source Pixabay